AgriAssurance Program — Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
At a glance
- No Condition
- Open Date : March 08, 2023
- All industries
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Government of Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or National Industry Associations
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to leverage private sector investment for the project
- Projects must align with the objectives of the program
- Must meet all other eligibility criteria specified in the program guidelines
Who is eligible
Eligible companies for this grant must be small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as national industry associations involved in the agricultural sector.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- National industry associations
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant:
- Costs related to the development and adoption of industry-led sector-specific assurance systems
- Support for the adoption of assurance systems and tools to meet market requirements
- Costs to increase and diversify exports in markets with Free Trade Agreements
- Support for the development, verification, and integration of assurance systems to address market and regulatory requirements
- Expenses to enable industry to make credible, meaningful, and verifiable claims about the health, safety, and quality of Canadian agriculture products
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects and activities for this grant.
- Adoption of assurance systems and supporting tools to make verifiable claims for export market requirements or domestic markets for Indigenous Peoples
- Development or improvement of assurance systems to manage risks and ensure product safety and quality
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The assessment criteria are as follows:
- Alignment with program objectives and outcomes
- Quality and feasibility of the project plan
- Capacity to deliver the project and achieve results
- Reasonableness of the budget and cost-sharing
- Extent of potential impact and benefits
How to apply
- Step 1. Review the program details and eligibility criteria to determine if your project aligns with the AgriAssurance Program objectives
- Step 2. Prepare all required documentation and information for your application
- Step 3. Submit your application online through the designated portal within the specified application period
- Step 4. Await the assessment and notification of the funding decision
- Step 5. If approved, follow the provided guidelines for reporting and fulfilling the program requirements
AgriAssurance Program Overview
The AgriAssurance Program, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aims to enhance resiliency and public trust in the agriculture industry. It supports the development and adoption of industry-led assurance systems to facilitate exports, improve product safety, and meet market requirements. The program offers funding to small and medium-sized enterprises and national industry associations, with a focus on increasing market access, addressing regulatory requirements, and promoting the quality of Canadian agricultural products.
AgriAssurance Program Details
The AgriAssurance Program, a component of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is designed to contribute to the Resiliency and Public Trust Strategic Initiatives by fostering the creation and implementation of industry-specific assurance systems. These systems enable businesses to manage risks, enhance product quality, and meet market demands, particularly in export markets with Free Trade Agreements. The program offers financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises and national industry associations to develop and integrate assurance systems that align with regulatory standards and market expectations.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, the program provides funding to adopt assurance systems and tools that support verifiable claims about product quality, safety, and attributes, thereby enhancing competitiveness in domestic and international markets. By assisting businesses in making credible claims and meeting market requirements, the program aims to diversify and increase exports of Canadian agricultural products.
The AgriAssurance Program also includes a National Industry Association Component, which offers funding to industry associations for the development or enhancement of assurance systems that improve risk management, product safety, and quality within their sectors. This component supports collaborative efforts to address market challenges, enhance supply chain integrity, and uphold public trust in Canadian agriculture.
Funding under the program is subject to cost-sharing, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) contributing up to 50% of eligible project costs. Small and medium-sized enterprises can receive a maximum AAFC contribution of $50,000 per project, with a total limit of $100,000 for multiple projects. Cost-sharing requirements ensure that applicants have a financial stake in the success of their projects and help support the sustainability of the agriculture industry.
Overall, the AgriAssurance Program plays a vital role in advancing the goals of Sustainable CAP by promoting industry innovation, export growth, and market competitiveness. By encouraging the adoption of assurance systems and facilitating collaboration between businesses and industry associations, the program contributes to the long-term resilience and success of the Canadian agricultural sector.
